Mithai diplomacy: Pakistani troops present sweets to Indian counterparts at Wagah

Published November 11, 2015
Representatives from Pakistan Rangers Punjab presented the sweets to their counterparts from the Indian Border Security Force (BSF) at the Wagah border crossing. 
 -PTI
Representatives from Pakistan Rangers Punjab presented the sweets to their counterparts from the Indian Border Security Force (BSF) at the Wagah border crossing. -PTI

LAHORE: Pakistani border troops on Wednesday presented sweets and exchanged greetings with their Indian counterparts on the occasion of the Hindu festival of Diwali.

Representatives from Pakistan Rangers Punjab presented the sweets to their counterparts from the Indian Border Security Force (BSF) at the Wagah border crossing.

Despite ceasefire violations and violence in the disputed Himalayan region, the exchange of sweets between Indian and Pakistani army personnel along the LoC on their respective days of national importance has been a recurring feature.

On August 14 last year, Pakistani Rangers had exchanged sweets with personnel from the BSF to celebrate Pakistan’s 68th Independence Day at the India-Pakistan Wagah border post.

Related: August 14: Pakistani Rangers, Indian BSF exchange sweets at Wagah

However, such an exchange did not take place on the occasion of Eidul Fitr this year as Indian soldiers did not exchange sweets with their Pakistani counterparts.

BSF Deputy Inspector General MF Farooqui on the occasion had confirmed that "there will be no Eid greetings exchanged with Pakistani Rangers," without citing a reason.

Related: Pakistan, India border guards abandon customary Eid greeting

Relations between the Pakistan and India are at their lowest, with allegations of ceasefire violations and involvement in terrorism from both sides.

Planned talks between national security advisers from India and Pakistan were canceled in August hours before they were due to start, dashing hopes that the two nuclear-armed neighbours might tackle the violence that many fear could one day spark a nuclear showdown.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif during his speech at the 70th session of UN General Assembly earlier this year, presented a four point peace initiative to resolve all issues with India.

But India rejected the peace plan accusing Pakistan of promoting terrorism in the region, Pakistan handed over three dossiers of Indian involvement in terrorism inside Pakistan to UN chief.

Opinion

Enter the deputy PM

Enter the deputy PM

Clearly, something has changed since for this step to have been taken and there are shifts in the balance of power within.

Editorial

All this talk
Updated 30 Apr, 2024

All this talk

The other parties are equally legitimate stakeholders in the country’s political future, and it must give them due consideration.
Monetary policy
30 Apr, 2024

Monetary policy

ALIGNING its decision with the trend in developed economies, the State Bank has acted wisely by holding its key...
Meaningless appointment
30 Apr, 2024

Meaningless appointment

THE PML-N’s policy of ‘family first’ has once again triggered criticism. The party’s latest move in this...
Weathering the storm
Updated 29 Apr, 2024

Weathering the storm

Let 2024 be the year when we all proactively ensure that our communities are safeguarded and that the future is secure against the inevitable next storm.
Afghan repatriation
29 Apr, 2024

Afghan repatriation

COMPARED to the roughshod manner in which the caretaker set-up dealt with the issue, the elected government seems a...
Trying harder
29 Apr, 2024

Trying harder

IT is a relief that Pakistan managed to salvage some pride. Pakistan had taken the lead, then fell behind before...